Larrabee started with the 11th book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Double Down by Jeff Kinney. He finished that one before I could get my blog posted and moved on to the 6th book in the Shark Wars series, The Last Emprex by A.J. Altbacker. (And he is wearing ninja socks.)

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there”

If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings, pick up a copy of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.

Ivan, the book’s narrator and main character, is a gorilla, a silverback. He’s also an artist and a loyal friend to the other animals at the Big Top Mall. And he has a way with words. His musings have the ring of poetry.

I tried to read this book aloud to Larrabee. But each time we sat down to read, I would barely get through two chapters before I was reaching for the box of tissues. Finally, Larrabee insisted on taking over the reading duties.

This book is inspired by the life of a real gorilla. It’s a complex story simply told. Despite the tears along the way, it left me with a smile.

My personal favorite of all the books in the box is How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss. I can practically recite it from memory. No Christmas would be complete for me without chimbleys, Whos’ mouses, and roast beast. The Grinch just puts me in the Christmas spirit. Maybe I’ll watch the cartoon version before I finish decorating… Now that’s a wonderful, awful idea.